Experts warn of measles outbreak

Many children are unprotected from measles, the HPA warns

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a warning about an increase in measles in south east London.

Since January, 19 cases of measles have been reported in Lewisham, representing about a third of the 67 cases reported in the whole of south-east London.

But the HPA believes there will be more cases over the coming months unless more children are vaccinated.

Uptake of the MMR vaccine in Lewisham is 64.3% - the HPA says a target of 95% is needed to prevent transmission.

MMR uptake has historically been low in Lewisham and many other parts of London, resulting in many unprotected children in the community.

Dr Rachel Heathcock, from the HPA, said: "Large outbreaks of measles have been seen in parts of north London over recent months and if MMR uptake does not improve in parts of south east London, such as Lewisham, we will be seeing a similar picture here."

Parents, schools, nurseries and GPs will be alerted by the HPA to ensure they are aware of the possibility of more measles cases and the importance of having the vaccine.